William Hatfield

Pastor Terry Hatfield was born “William Terrell Hatfield” to William Gale and Doris (Terrell) Hatfield on January 28, 1947, in Oswego, Kansas.

Terry attended Labette County Community High School in Altamont and graduated in 1965. During his teenage years, Terry began attending the Church of the Brethren in Parson, Kansas where that congregation called him into licensed ministry before he graduated from college. After high school, Terry attended Labette Community College and Pittsburg State University, where he graduated with honors. During his years at Pitt State, Terry worked for Montgomery Ward as a department manager and management trainee. He graduated from PSU in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing. He later earned a Masters in Theology and Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling.

Terry was married the year after he graduated from high school to Janice Wages. That marriage blessed them with two wonderful children, don Todd and daughter Amy. Terry was licensed to the ministry in the Church of the Brethren in 1969 and ordained in 1971. In his 54 years of ministry he served congregations in the Church of the Brethren, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Methodist Church. He was also a director of substance abuse treatment programs for the Missouri Department of Mental Health Community Mental Health program.

On October 24, 1975, he married Linda Malone, who loved and supported him in life, faith, and service. They were bound by a marriage of mutual respect and deep love. In 1987 Pastor Terry was called as the District Executive Minister of the Northern Indiana District, overseeing 52 churches and 75 clergy. Locally, he served as the Senior Pastor of the Independence First Christian Church from 2006 through 2014. He retired from full time ministry on December 31, 2014. But after 47 years of ministry, retiring completely from preaching and pastoral care was not to be. In July 2016, he began as a part-time pastor of the Havana and Elk City United Methodist Parish. With the rest of his time Terry continued to pursue his interest in genealogy, history, politics, writing four children’s books and two on ministry, gardening and blogging on the internet. But most of all spending time with his “bride” of 48 years and with his children and grandchildren.

Terry passed into the loving arms of God on April 19, 2023, at home. Terry is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home. His son, Todd Hatfield and wife, Jessica, of Rosehill, Kansas. His daughter Amy Hatfield Fentress and husband Dayne, of Rockledge, Florida. Seven grandchildren: Ashley Ingalsbe, Heather Heady, T.J. Hatfield, Hailey Koger, Lorren Koger, Kaleb Hatfield, and John Hatfield and their spouses. Nine great grandchildren: Devan Heady, Chloe Heady, Kaylee Ingalsbe, Tatin Ingalsbe, Kadance Ingalsbe, Natalie Sullivan, Neleh Williams, Kalli Hatfield and Kinsley Hatfield. His sister  -in-law: Jan Mullinix and husband, Larry of Damascus, Maryland. Nieces and Nephews: Lynn Housel, Beth Tuthill, Mike Maxwell, Karen Wilhelm, Jonathan Wilhelm, and Lauren Lloyd and their spouses. And by great nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Dolores Lowmaster and Beverly Maxwell, two nephews, Steve Maxwell and Gale Roy Lowmaster.

The family will greet visitors on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. At Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.  Services will be on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., at the Independence First Christian Church under the direction of the pastor. The Reverend Mark Lyon will be officiating. A portion of Terry’s cremated body will be scattered at the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel. A memorial headstone has been set in the family plot at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont, Kansas where another portion of his cremated body will be buried. Memorial gifts are requested in lieu of flowers to the Independence First Christian Church319 W. Laurel Street,  Independence, KS 67301